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Astros option outfielder Grossman to Triple-A

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Grossman's RBI single 0:54

5/13/13: Robbie Grossman lines a base hit to right, scoring Marwin Gonzalez to even the score at 1 in the top of the third inning

By Brian McTaggart
/
MLB.com |

HOUSTON -- Two weeks after Astros manager Bo Porter said Robbie Grossman would get every chance to prove he was his starting center fielder, the team optioned the outfielder to Triple-A Oklahoma City following Monday's 3-2 win over the Rockies.

Grossman, who was called up April 24, went 0-for-5 with a walk and three strikeouts on Monday to drop his batting average to .198 and on-base percentage to .310. He started 26 of 28 games, mostly in the leadoff spot.

"Just part of the game, part of the business," Grossman said as he left Minute Maid Park. "If I played better it wouldn't matter, but it is what it is."

The club will call up right-hander Brad Peacock from Triple-A on Tuesday, providing the staff with an extra pitcher heading into Coors Field later this week.

Grossman was acquired by the Astros in last year's trade that sent pitcher Wandy Rodriguez to the Pirates. A Houston-area native, he hit .324 with a .452 on-base percentage in 19 games for Oklahoma City before being called up.

"They said to go down there and keep playing hard," Grossman said.

The move could open the door for Brandon Barnes, who won Monday's game with a walk-off win in the 12th inning, to get more playing time. Center fielder Justin Maxwell, who fractured his hand last month, could return soon and will begin a rehab later this week.